Welcome Guest! If you are already a member of the BMW MOA, please log in to the forum in the upper right hand corner of this page. Check "Remember Me?" if you wish to stay logged in.

We hope you enjoy the excellent technical knowledge, event information and discussions that the BMWMOA forum provides.
Why not take the time to join the club, so you can enjoy posting on
the forum, the club magazine, and all of the discounts and benefits the BMWMOA offers?Want to read the MOA monthly magazine for free? Take a 3-month test ride of the magazine; check here for details.

If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You will need to join the MOA before you can post: click this register link to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

NOTE. Some content will be hidden from you. If you want to view all content, you must register for the forum if you are not a member, or if a member, you must be logged in.

Re: ?

Hello;
I just got an R1200RT and what an upgrade from
a 1968 Triumph Daytona.
Question- What is the difference between an
oil head and a hex-head??
I thought my R12RT was an oil head but when
I see pictures posted here it seems hex head covers
everything.

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for asking one of the few question I'm somewhat capable of answering.

Strictly speaking, a hex-head is an oil-head. Both the 1100s and 1150s as well as the 1200s are all oil/air cooled motors.

The 1200s (aka hex-heads) derive their name from the hex shape of the cylinder heads. They are a quantum leap forward in technology. Not only are they larger engines (1170CCs), they boast more horsepower, lower torque, and require far less maintenance. The final drive was reputed to be a lifetime no-oil-change, but BMW is backpeddling on that now. The transmissions have helical gears and are much smoother. They no longer require throttle-body synching, and have automatic chokes.

This is the depth of my understanding, and I'm sure others, more knowledgeable, will chime in.

Actually - you still sync the throttle bodies - but the idle sync is done by the same stepper motors that control the idle speed. These eliminate the manual fast-idle lever that has been a BMW feature for many years - doing the same thing under computer control.

Welcome to the forum! The final drive was reputed to be a lifetime no-oil-change, but BMW is backpeddling on that now.

Well so far as I know, the final drive needs to be changed only at the running in check at 600 miles. The reason being, I'm told, that they are letting the owner/dealer flush the drive instead of having it done at the time of manufacture.

New to this BMW thing, used to ride rice rockets after I came back from overseas.
This and other forums have already got me spending on all kindsa bling. Thanks.
Some buds and I are gonna try a week trip in Nov. Brrr...I got thermals on order.
Should be fun though, gonna make like birds and head south for the winter.
Since I'm sorta retired, maybe I'll just nest down there.
Rick

Great forum. Wealth of information. I too thought I was an Oilhead then realized there was a spot for Hexheads. Either way, I am proud to be a BMW owner...finally! It has opened new doors for me, and stepped up the enjoyment level with regards to riding. I look forward to learning from others, and as soon as I can get involved in my maintenance will be more than happy to share my experiences.